PASHpost Picks 10 Family-Friendly Fishing Finds Across America

​​In honor of National Go Fishing Day on June 18 and fishing's growing popularity, special interest news network PASHpost has picked 10 essential family-friendly fishing experiences from across America.

More people are fishing in the United States than ever before, according to an OutdoorIndustry Association (OIA) report that revealed more than 49 million Americans are fishing across the country. The report builds on a long-term U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study showing fishing is at its highest popularity level since the survey began in 1955, despite the increasingly digitally-driven nature of society.

“We’re so tied to technology and screens that you walk past people on the street and their heads are down in their phones,” Rachel Piacenza, director of marketing for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), said. “We forget that the best memories are created when you’re face to face with someone.”

According to RBFF, a national nonprofit whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, fishing’s rise in popularity is likely due to families looking for ways to spend quality time together.

“Moms are really looking for activities for the entire family so they are introducing fishing to their sons and daughters,” Piacenza said. “They're looking for new, fun activities that are going to make their kids excited and get a little outside their comfort zone.”

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, fishing has been on an upward trend since 2006, with participation increases among children and teens, bolstering a critical demographic for the continuation of the sport. In the OIA study, more than 59 percent of both new and experienced anglers said they fished in order to be “close to family and friends.”

“A lot of times people don’t even care if they catch anything — just being out there and the experience of throwing your line out in the water is surprisingly therapeutic,” Piacenza said. “I would say the majority are out there just to be with their friends and family, or even by themselves, to disconnect from everything a bit.”

Savannah is a terrific, family-friendly destination for fishing year-round. Here families will find choice of targets from Bull Redfish and Flounder to Black Seabass and Speckled Trout. But visitors don’t have to fish to enjoy all Savannah has to offer — go on a dolphin excursion, take the little ones to the outdoor Savannah Children’s Museum or check out the history of this charming Southern city with a leisurely tour through Old Savannah on foot or by a quaint horse-drawn carriage.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a fun, family-friendly town that has a little something for everyone in the family. Offshore guests can find Mackerel and Mahi while Bluefish, Trout and Black Drum await less-experienced anglers back on dry land. As a popular tourist destination for families, Myrtle Beach will keep families entertained with spectacular views from the SkyWheel, old-school arcades and games of skill on the boardwalk, as well as the 300-acre entertainment complex Broadway at the Beach featuring the Wonderworks amusement park and Ripley’s Aquarium.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Moving out west, Lake Tahoe offers great fishing opportunities for Mackinaw, Salmon and Trout, along with plenty of other outdoor adventures. If families have elementary-age children, check out the KidZone Museum, which teaches children about the Sierra Nevadas in a fun and creative learning environment on Lake Tahoe. For a more heart-racing activity, take the scenic gondolas of Heavenly Resort 9,000 feet in the air for breathtaking views of snow-tipped peaks and lush alpine groves above the shimmering lake. Families will not forget it.

Laurel Hill Lake, Tennessee

Laurel Hill Lake provides fantastic and kid-friendly fishing for Sunfish, Bluegill, Perch, Catfish and more, all inside the picturesque, 14,942-acre Laurel Hill Wildlife Management Area. The recreation area offers BBQ grills, campsites, cottages, cabins, horse trails, hunting areas and picnic sites — visitors can even go swimming in the lake from designated beaches during the summer. After all that outdoor activity, grab a burger and fries at the bait shops if the fish aren't biting on the lake.

Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania

Presque Isle State Park juts out onto Lake Erie, making this peninsula a hub for fishing Walleye, Steelhead, Bass and the kid-friendly Panfish. The state park is a noted destination for Walleye fishing, attracting over four million people for fishing each summer. Once anglers have had their fill of Walleye, treat the family to the fun and excitement of Water World and Waldameer — family-owned theme parks just off the lakeshore featuring more than 100 wet-and-wild rides and attractions.

Lake Champlain, Vermont

For fishing in New England, there are few better trips to take the family than Lake Champlain. From April until late Fall, anglers can catch Bass, Lake Trout and Atlantic Salmon on the gorgeous waters just outside Burlington, Vermont. After hitting the lake, take the family to the Church St. Marketplace, where rows of boutique shops and eateries will provide a perfect place to relax before checking out the Shelburne Museum, complete with a full-size steamboat, a lighthouse and an exhibit of antique dollhouses and toys.

Puget Sound, Washington

Puget Sound provides anglers access to thousands of lakes, streams, ponds and fishing spots, teeming with Salmon, Flounder and Trout. The fishing is plentiful all year round and the constant Pacific Northwest overcast makes for great casting weather. When visitors have finally had their fishing fill, the rest of Seattle offers world-class family-friendly attractions like the Woodland Park Zoo and the Seattle Aquarium.

Grand Haven, Michigan

Grand Haven is nestled in great fishing country where Lake Michigan meets the Grand River, making for plentiful Chinook, Lake Trout, Perch and Coho Salmon fishing — great casting for any experience level. After a long afternoon of angling, Grand Haven offers cruises on the lake and on summer nights, a choreographed music, water and light show dazzles spectators just in time for sunset. For an even better view of the festivities, climb the 1,000 wooden steps up the 200-foot Rosy Mound Natural Area sand dune.

Eureka Spring, Arkansas

Visiting Eureka Spring, Arkansas, is an entire experience on its own. The entire city has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and selected as one of America's Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust of Historic Preservation. Perfectly preserved Victorian-era buildings line winding streets backdropped by the surrounding jagged ridge crests of the valley.

Zip lines, mountain bike trails and picnic areas ensure that the whole family will have plenty to do before heading to the White River for Rainbow Trout fishing that’s great for kids and adults alike.

Port Isabel, Texas

Port Isabel, Texas, rests on the southern tip of Texas, providing ample fishing opportunities for the Gulf of Mexico’s rich variety of Speckled Redfish and bountiful Trout, ample enough for adults and kids to not come up empty-handed. But even if anglers are not catching any bites, Port Isabel has a lot to offer for the entire family, from dolphin cruises and wading trips to offshore boating in the warm waters of the Gulf.

AboutPASHpost Media

PASHpost is an LA-based special interest enthusiast network, connecting members with free, unlimited access to enthusiast news, information and communities in a unified digital environment. Integrated features include: personalized member dashboards, newsfeeds, marketplace, magazine and discussion features tailored to members' interests.